If you have been watching “Tiny House Nation” on Netflix, you know by now the efficiency of moving into a downsized home. The notion that “bigger is better” is being challenged by those who go against the trend of acquiring regular-sized homes.
According to HSH, a mortgage resource, the size of an average home in the U.S. has grown over the years. In 1973, the median new single-family house was just 1,525 square feet, according to the US Census Bureau. By 2010, it had grown to 2,169 square feet. By 2018, it had bloated to 2,435 square feet.
Keeping up with the Joneses can come with a cost, especially if the homeowner’s monthly income is not enough to maintain a big house. Size in itself is not enough to give overall satisfaction per this Today article. Additionally, the contentment stemming from living in a large house is fleeting. The story continued to say that while larger homes do satisfy homeowners, it does not last long as larger homes appear in the neighborhood.
Because having a large house is a status symbol, it is typical to yearn for a home that fits one’s aspirations. As such, this BBC article said that paying more money on housing means that people are incurring more mortgage debt, working long hours to make ends meet, and commuting for longer hours.
Bigger homes also have environmental costs as they consume more energy. The Environmental Magazine said that if you are concerned about having a smaller carbon footprint and consuming less of the world’s finite resources, you can opt for smaller homes that will lead to using less oil, coal, natural gas, and water.
The rise of the tiny home movement
Tiny Life said that the trend toward tiny houses became a social movement. More individuals are choosing to downsize the space they live in, simplify, and live with less. The blog dedicated to tiny homes also said that this act is about embracing the less is more philosophy and the freedom that accompanies the tiny house lifestyle. Borrowing tenets from minimalism, the tiny house movement means doing away with excesses.
How big is a tiny house?
The Tiny House said that you have the freedom to choose the size of your home. As a rule of thumb, the website said that tiny houses usually range between around 60 and 400 square feet. Additionally, a lot of tiny houses are around the 200-square foot mark, so that would seem to be the norm. A standard college dorm room is likely to be around this size.
It might be shocking to enter into this kind of setup right away. Planning is important here; because with the right interior design, you can still make the most of your space without sacrificing too much. You will learn to buy and choose better things to fill the limited space of your home.
Design tips
Designing small spaces can be challenging but fulfilling. If done right, you can have a space that will make you save more and live with just the best of the basics. Here are some ideas that you can try if you decided to hop on the bandwagon:
- Be creative with your cabinet space -- Do you want more storage ideas? This one is your best bet! Clear your countertop by putting sliding doors inside your cabinet. You can place your cooking essentials, wines, cutleries in there! Other tips include hiding your trash can and appliances inside your cabinet to make the room tidier.
- Create more space by making lofts -- Does your tiny home have a high ceiling? Make use of that space by building a loft. Having a loft could help in dividing the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
- Customize your dining area -- Why choose between a dining area and an eat-in kitchen when you can have both? Elevate a simple nook with furniture and accent pieces for that elegant dining experience.
- Install a multifunctional bed and sofa -- Murphy beds have been around since forever, but they still offer the same efficiency by fusing bed and sofa space. You can also buy a sofa that can be converted easily into a bed to save more space.
- Try pull-out trays -- If you do not have room to convert for a workstation, consider having pull-out trays in your kitchen or room. This way, you can slide it when you need it and tuck it away when you are through with your tasks.
Create lasting moments in your home
After everything has been said and done, you are left to decide whether you want to go smaller. Having a tiny home has its advantages and disadvantages. However, if it fits your lifestyle, you can go ahead and try it.
